President Cyril Ramaphosa is gearing up for his upcoming visit to the United States, where he plans to address key issues affecting South Africa’s national interests. The visit, scheduled from Sunday 19 to Wednesday 22 May, will focus on trade tariffs imposed by the US on South African goods, as well as recent diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
During his address at the ANC’s provincial executive committee induction in Kimberley, Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of conducting discussions with US officials in a “businesslike manner.” He stressed the need to prioritize trade issues, diplomatic relations, and overall bilateral relationships during the visit.
One of the primary concerns on Ramaphosa’s agenda is the US’s imposition of trade tariffs on South African exports, particularly vehicles and agricultural products. Despite some tariffs being deferred, Ramaphosa emphasized the urgency of resolving this matter to protect crucial trade relationships between the two countries.
The president acknowledged the complexity of South Africa’s relationship with the US and emphasized the importance of maintaining dialogue even in the face of differences. He highlighted the need to engage with all parties, including those with whom South Africa may have disagreements.
In addition to trade issues, Ramaphosa is expected to address international criticism of South Africa’s human rights record, particularly allegations of state-sanctioned violence against minority groups. The president dismissed claims of genocide in South Africa and reiterated the country’s commitment to constitutional values of nonracialism and equality before the law.
The visit to the US comes at a time when domestic governance issues, such as the nullification of public board SETA appointments, have surfaced. Ramaphosa attributed these issues to administrative errors and assured that corrective measures were being taken.
Addressing the country’s rising unemployment rate, Ramaphosa emphasized job creation as a top priority for the government. He highlighted the importance of unleashing economic levers and addressing constraints to spur growth and create employment opportunities, particularly for the youth.
Ramaphosa also mentioned that Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is finalizing the third national budget, which is set to be tabled on Tuesday 21 May. The budget is expected to provide solutions to the unemployment crisis and outline measures to stimulate economic growth and create more job opportunities for South Africans.
Overall, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to the United States is poised to address critical issues affecting South Africa’s economy, trade relations, and international standing, while reaffirming the country’s commitment to constitutional values and economic growth.
